First wave of cuts and reassignments

Padres make their first wave to moves this spring as follows...... Not too many shockers here.

UT's Link

By Tom Krasovic

March 17, 2009, 4:37 p.m.

The Padres' clubhouse was a busy place today. Eleven players were sent out, leaving the club with 45 players in major league camp. Among the players reassigned to minor league camp are right-handed pitchers Chris Britton and Matt Buschmann, infielder Peter Ciofrone, catcher Mitch Canham and outfielder Cedric Hunter. Managre Bud Black said the club has told Britton that he is free to pursue a job elsewhere.

Right-handed pitchers Cesar Carrillo and Mike Ekstrom, left-handed pitcher Wade LeBlanc and infielder Travis Denker have been optioned to Triple-A Portland. Outfielder Luis Durango and left-handed pitcher Jackson Quezada have been optioned to Single-A Lake Elsinore. Quezada, a closer, hasn't faced any hitters since getting to camp; he is nursing a sore shoulder.

The Padres now have 45 players in major league camp. Expect a lot more movement. Not only will several players be shipped out before Opening Day, the Padres are shopping the bottom end of several pitching staffs in anticipation of making a cheap acquisition.

Play Ball !!!